Hungary’s gambling scene has made a mark over the last few years, reaching over 500,000 players who wager regularly on sports. Since the country only recently opened its market to operators, though, players choose international bookmakers for their action.
Currently, there are less than 10 licensed brands in the country, and that competition doesn’t help bettors, who face limited markets and subpar odds. This, along with many benefits that we will explain further below, is the reason why offshore bookies are the go-to option for Hungarians.
This page will examine the regulatory framework behind online betting in the country, with a particular focus on taxation, payments, and localisation. But first, here is a short list of the best betting sites in Hungary.
Bookmaker Comparison | Local Licensed | International |
Licensing | Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs (SZTFH) | Malta, Curacao, Kahnawake and other international regulators |
Payment Methods | Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Mobile Payments, Alipay, PayPal | Debit Cards, Credit Cards, E-wallets, Cryptos, 30+ Other Options |
User Experience | Fully localised for Hungarian users (language, currency) | Few sites support the Hungarian language |
KYC Verification | Mandatory | Depending on the website |
Taxation | No Taxation | No Taxation |
Due to the limited option of locally licensed bookies, your best option is to sign up with betting sites in Hungary. They are regulated by some of the top authorities in the world and come with more payments and easier KYC policies.
Full List of Hungary Betting Sites
How to Find the Best Hungarian Betting Sites
Considering the hurdles to platforms, we focus on some critical factors to identify alternatives that enhance the experience for Hungarian players. These elements ensure you have all the tools necessary to succeed. Here's what we prioritise when evaluating the best sports betting sites in Hungary:
Localisation
The priority is how well a platform caters to locals. A lot of platforms offer the Hungarian language, but almost none have any customer support agents who speak the language. In addition, you should look for bookies that include the Hungarian Forint for payments.
Market Variety
A diverse range of markets is crucial for making informed selections. Our recommended sites offer over 300 options in the top European leagues. Additionally, we ensure that other popular sports in the country, like water polo, handball, and athletics, are thoroughly covered.
Live Betting
In-play wagering is essential for all online bookmakers. We focus on platforms that provide live betting and all the necessary services. These include excellent market coverage, with over 200 available selections.
Features
Key tools like live streaming, cash-out, and bet builders are fundamental for any top-tier platform. We ensure all recommended bookmakers include these features alongside extras like auto cash-out, multiview services, and in-game stats.
Payment Options
Whether you prefer cards, PayPal, Alipay, or cryptos, the top betting sites in Hungary accommodate all these payment methods. They enable instant deposits and withdrawals without limits.
What You Need to Know About Betting in Hungary
Active Players | Legal Age | Local Currency | Player Protection |
500,000+ | 18 | Hungarian Forint (HUF) | SZTFH |
The Gambling Act of 1991 legalised all forms of gambling in Hungary. However, at the time, a state of monopoly was promoted, which led Szerencsejáték Zrt to dominate the sports betting industry through their subsidiary, TippMix.
Meanwhile, any attempt by international operators to launch a local site faced a wall. At the same time, domestic credit card providers and banks were also pushed to block transactions with international gaming sites to prevent those sites from operating in Hungary.
Is Online Betting in Hungary Legal?
After radical changes were imposed from the Court of Justice of the European Union, the Hungarian legislation was amended in 2023 and gave the green light for operators to apply for a local license. This means that you can now bet legally on both local and international sites and access better sportsbook offerings besides Tippmix.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Winnings?
There is no income tax applied to player’s gambling winnings to date. The Hungarian government has chosen to tax the betting sites directly. When it comes to online sports betting, including horse racing, operators must pay 15% of the total gambling revenue. This has obviously created an issue and is the main reason why most notable brands have exited the market.
Can You Use Betting Apps in Hungary?
Even though very few sites have managed to acquire a local license in Hungary, you can still download and install the mobile applications on your smartphone. However, you might encounter problems with some brands who want to avoid the market altogether. For that reason, you can visit their mobile websites through a VPN and place your wagers there.
What is the Direction of Online Betting in Hungary
According to Statista, Hungary's total online gambling revenue will reach the €558 million mark in 2025, €180 million of which will be derived from sports betting. As you can imagine, certain sports gather more attention in the country.
Football Betting in Hungary
As is the case with almost every European country, football betting is the king in Hungary. The love for the sport exploded through the legendary player Ferenc Puskas, who left his mark not only locally but also in international football. However, the domestic league is not among the top ones in the continent, leading players to place most of their wagers on other European leagues, namely the German Bundesliga and the Italian Serie A. Nonetheless, you can expect all the standard markets to be offered for Nemzeti Bajnokság I in our recommended sites.
Water Polo Betting in Hungary
This sport holds a special place in people’s hearts. After all, the national team has won multiple Olympic medals and always performs admirably in the most prominent events each year. It comes as no surprise that locals also love placing wagers on the sport. However, you should note that it is not very popular among international betting sites in Hungary, which means mediocre odds, no water polo-related promos, and few available selections.
Handball Betting in Hungary
Handball is one of the most popular indoor activities for Hungarians. Its fast-paced nature and close-quarter action keep fans at the edge of their seats. The Nemzeti Bajnokság I (the domestic top league), as well as the Handball-Bundesliga in Germany, gather by far the highest attention. However, in terms of betting volume, it cannot yet compete with football or water polo.
Athletics Betting in Hungary
Interestingly, these minor sports also occupy a considerable percentage of the bettors in Hungary. The country has a rich history of producing top athletes in many track and field events, while the Hungarian Athletics Federation is known for improving local talent exponentially. Again, though, the problem with many betting sites in Hungary is that the offering around athletics wagering, especially outside the Olympic Games, is slim compared to other major sports.
How To Bet Online in Hungary - Step By Step
If you're based in Hungary and want to dive into online betting, signing up with an international bookmaker is your best option. Here’s a quick guide to get started in no time:
- 1 Choose a Bookmaker: Explore our list of sportsbooks accepting Hungarian players to find the one that matches your preferences. There are dozens of local, international, and crypto-friendly options to choose from, all with exciting features, high bonuses, and comprehensive sports coverage.
- 2 Create an Account: Once you’ve picked your bookmaker, click our link to visit their official site. The signup process is usually quick and consistent, requiring basic details like your name, email address, and an adequate password. After registration, check your inbox to verify your email and unlock your new account.
- 3 Make a Deposit: Log into your new account and locate the deposit section. You’ll find various payment methods, including popular options like VISA, PayPal, and Alipay. With over 20 payment solutions available, managing deposits and withdrawals is seamless, even for the most particular bettors.
- 4 Claim Your Bonus and Start Betting: Don’t forget to activate your Welcome Bonus when making your first deposit. It’s a great way to maximise your experience. Now it’s time to get in on the action. Explore the sportsbook sections to wager on your favourite teams and events.
Which Payments Do Hungarian Bettors Prefer?
The increase in popularity of online betting in Hungary has led online bookies in the country to improve their offering. One way to accomplish that is by allowing locals to perform transactions with all the popular payment options. Some of the best ones include the following:
⏩ Debit & Credit Cards: These types of payments have become the norm for users all across the world. You can find many Visa and Mastercard betting sites that accept both debit and credit card deposits and withdrawals.
⏩ PayPal: This is one of the most popular e-wallets for gambling payments. The transactions are lightning-fast and the levels of security are really high.
⏩ AliPay: This is a Chinese type of mobile payment that has lately gained a lot of footing in Hungary. The main appeal is that you can use it to perform transactions under the radar. However, note that it is not available to many operators.
⏩ Cryptos: The truth is that locally licensed betting sites in the country will not allow you to deposit or withdraw with any cryptocurrency. However, you can find dozens of crypto payments on international bookies.
Online Betting in Hungary: What Does the Future Hold
In 2023, Szerencsejáték Zrt’s monopoly technically ended. However, online gambling in the country is highly regulated and local authorities pose very high obstacles for all foreign operators who want to enter the market.
There is a trend towards liberalisation, but it is very slow. Hungary has tried to change the legislation to align with EU directives after the Court of Justice intervened.
Since 2023, though, we have noticed more betting sites in Hungary exiting than entering the market. We expect locals to continue playing on international sites until the laws and regulations loosen.
Gambling in the Neighbouring Countries
Bettors should always be curious about gambling in nearby countries because of their proximity and the different regulations they abide by. This can open up new opportunities and help you compare the overall situation to comply with local laws and regulations. Let's take a look at four of these neighbours:
⏩ Austria: home to many international bookmakers, the country has a fully regulated gambling market. The Austria betting sites have a rich list of legal operators, though unlicensed bookies are by far the favourites.
⏩ Serbia: is another EU country that attempted to legalize and regulate both land-based and online operators fully. Many international operators abide by local laws and offer licensed online betting, but unlicensed Serbia betting sites are becoming more and more popular in the absence of any repercussions.
⏩ Slovakia: has legal gambling and offers football, horse racing, and ice hockey betting options. Though online gambling is supposed to be licensed by the government to offer services, the Slovakia betting sites have no restrictions, and here too, are more popular.
⏩ The Czech Republic: With almost half of the population actively gambling, this country ranks second in Europe with the most land-based operators per capita. Some bookmakers have obtained local licenses while most of the Czech betting sites have not and resort to mirror sites to avoid blacklisting.
After Szerencsejáték Zrt’s monopoly ended in the country, online operators are free to apply for a gambling license. This means that online betting in Hungary is perfectly legal.
Mr Sloty is a Curacao licensed bookie that welcomes hungarian players with a €100 Welcome Bonus. Make sure to read the full Mr Sloty review before you sign-up.
Among the most notable brands that offer their services to local bettors are 22bet, Powbet, Ivibet, and 20bet. However, they face constant problems from local authorities.
Of course, debit and credit cards are the most common ways for locals to top up their betting accounts. In addition, PayPal, Alipay, and crypto transactions are also very popular among Hungarians.
Yes. The Hungarian Department of Gambling Supervision has not blacklisted 22Bet. Make sure to check out our 22Bet Bonus Code to make the best of your deposits.
Hungarians are avid bettors who place wagers online regularly. Most of the revenue comes from football, water polo, handball, and athletics betting.